Claimer: My Blog, My POV

Occasionally, I will mention my job, my public service activities, and other aspects of my life to offer my readers a better perspective on where I'm coming from. But to be clear:

"The views that I express represent my own opinions, based on my own education and experience, not the opinions of any other entity, party, or group to which I belong. I give these opinions in my individual capacity, as a private citizen, and as someone who gives a good gosh darn about his community, his country, and the truth."

Johns, armed with a rifle, was in the bathroom at his farmhouse when he opened fire on Mechels inside the home, wounding the lawman in the right arm, court records indicate. Then, after the deputy retreated from the house and climbed back in his patrol sport utility vehicle, Johns remained inside and shot again from the bathroom window, the documents state. This time, one of the rifle shots pierced the SUV's windshield and hit Mechels in the throat [Martin, 2009.04.14].

I don't need a law degree (and neither will the jury) to know that shooting a retreating law officer is not self-defense. The lawyer's got to do something to earn his pay... but wouldn't a guilty plea stand a better chance of keeping the defendant alive than an argument that killing a cop is self-defense?

I know everyone deserves a defense, but this is reprehensible. I suppose the accused's life was in danger when Mechels was back in his car and the accused fired the lethal shot??!! These lawyers should be ashamed.

Mr.Johns is entitled to a defense,however his claims to have acted in self defense unfortunately are truly his own and not that of his attorney.His attorney has to make a decision to take this course based on what he knows about the case.Part of this is what his client tells him unfortunately criminals lie,and very regularly at that.By taking this road Johns is putting him self in a position to have to take the stand.Which may not be that bad of a thing in the end,hence for this defense he would have to admit to shooting Deputy Mechels.Johns will have to explain all the know facts of the case and others that may come out at trial.My point being he is a criminal,who killed an officer of the law who was in uniform,performing his duties after making threats to do so.I need to remind myself our country is a republic based on laws which we need to follow even at times like these.I pray for the family of Deputy Mechels daily and for a speedy end to this case.